Brooks Co. man arrested for molestation

A man was arrested after the Valdosta Police Department investigated reports of child molestation.

A girl under the age of 16 told police that she had been forced to have sexual intercourse with a person she knew.

The Valdosta Police Department Person’s Crimes Detectives, DFACS, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Victim’s Advocate Office built a case against the man they believe molested the girl and took warrants against for Edwin Beal, Sr., 56, on Tuesday.

They found Beal in Brooks County, where Brooks Co. deputies arrested him, and turned him over to Valdosta Police Department Detectives.

Beal was transported to Lowndes County Jail, where he is being held for child molestation and another charge.

"This is a heartbreaking case in which the offender took advantage of a child’s trust, and his actions have affected her life forever. Our thoughts go out to this victim and her family as they begin to heal and recover from this terrible situation," said VPD Commander Manahan.